Abstract

of postures, sensory and compensatory interventions. The examination leads to recommendations regarding the optimum delivery and maintenance of nutrition and hydration (e.g. per oral, non-oral or combination of the two, special preparation of food). Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken to investigate differences between FEES and clinical examination in determining adequate nutrition and diet modifications. Patients with dysphagia were examined clinically by speech-language therapists to assess swallowing function. Additionally all patients with pharyngeal disorders of swallowing were tested with FEES. The oral intake was evaluated using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) (Crary et al., 2004). These data were collected in the clinical examination and FEES. Laryngeal penetration and aspiration of saliva, food and liquid were identified with FEES. The Penetration-Aspiration-Scale (PAS) (Rosenbek et al., 1988) was used to determine the risk of aspiration. Results: Preliminary analysis (N = 19) shows no significant differences in feeding status but the mean-score of FOIS tends to be higher after FEES. Furthermore there is a high significant negative correlation between FOIS and PAS (r = 0.75; p < 0.001). Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that FEES is a useful aid to evaluate the swallowing safety and to specify nutritional recommendations for patients with dysphagia.

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